Adjustable mud ring assemblies

ABSTRACT

An adjustable mud ring assembly is provided that includes a base plate, a movable ring, and an indexing screw con-figured to move the movable ring with respect to the base plate between a first position and a second position. The base plate has a junction box connecting portion, a support connecting portion, and a stationary ring. The base plate can have an offset distance (D2) between the junction box connecting portion and the sup-port connecting portion where the offset distance is sufficient to allow the movable ring to move into stationary ring to the first position without protruding, at a lowermost point, into a junction box connected to the junction box connecting portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/535,599, filed on Jun. 13, 2017, which is a 371 of PCT ApplicationNo. PCT/US2015/066212 filed on Dec. 16, 2015, which claims benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/092,542, filed on Dec. 16, 2014, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure is related to mud rings. More particularly, thepresent disclosure is related to adjustable mud ring assemblies.

2. Description of Related Art

Electrical devices such as, but not limited to, electrical outlets,switches, and others are typically installed in a wall or ceiling. Here,a gang or junction box is secured to a stud or support beam inside ofthe wall or ceiling. The electrical device is then secured in the box inelectrical communication with one or more electrical conductors so thatthe electrical device extends or protrudes from the wall or ceiling. Inthis manner, any exposed portion of the electrical conductor and itsconnection to the electrical device can be shielded within the box.

Various building, electric and/or fire codes have been enacted when thebox, conductor, device combination is installed in walls or ceilings toensure safety and functionality. For example, the National ElectricalCode (NEC) requires that boxes employing a flush-type cover or faceplatemust be installed so that a front edge of the box, or plaster ring,extension ring, or extender used therewith, is either flush with or notset back from the finished surface more than a predefined distance.

The plaster rings, extension rings, and extenders mentioned above,commonly known as mud rings, when used, are attached to the box prior tothe installation of sheet rock, wall board, or other covering surfacematerial. To avoid the need to select a mud ring of the correct depth,adjustable mud rings have also been developed. These adjustable mudrings allow the front edge to be extended or retracted to meet thenecessary codes, to provide a guide during the wall covering trimmingprocess, to prevent the box from being filled with drywall spacklingpaste (also known as mud), and other advantages.

Unfortunately, the prior art adjustable mud rings have proven costly tomanufacture and/or difficult to use and/or assemble. Accordingly, it hasbeen determined by the present disclosure that there is a need foradjustable mud ring assemblies that overcome, alleviate, and/or mitigateone or more of the aforementioned and other deleterious effects of priorart devices.

SUMMARY

An adjustable mud ring assembly is provided that includes a base plate,a movable ring, and an indexing screw configured to move the movablering with respect to the base plate between a first position and asecond position. The base plate has a junction box connecting portion, asupport connecting portion, and a stationary ring.

In some embodiments alone or in combination with the afore or aftmentioned embodiments, the base plate has an offset distance (D2)between the junction box connecting portion and the support connectingportion.

In some embodiments alone or in combination with the afore or aftmentioned embodiments, the offset distance is sufficient to allow themovable ring to move with respect to the stationary ring to the firstposition without protruding, at a lowermost point, into a junction boxconnected to the junction box connecting portion.

In some embodiments alone or in combination with the afore or aftmentioned embodiments, the junction box connecting portion can include aplurality of screw openings for connected to a junction box.

In some embodiments alone or in combination with the afore or aftmentioned embodiments, the stationary ring is a single gang and ispositioned centrally in the support connecting portion so that that anelectrical device, when installed in the movable ring, is offset by apredefined distance (D1) from a support to which the support connectionportion is connected.

In some embodiments alone or in combination with the afore or aftmentioned embodiments, the support connecting portion can include aplurality of screw openings for connecting to a support.

In some embodiments alone or in combination with the afore or aftmentioned embodiments, the base plate is a three piece metal stampinghaving a first part with the support and junction box connectingportions and two walls of the stationary ring and a second part with tworemaining walls of the stationary ring. Here, the first and second partscan be welded together.

In some embodiments alone or in combination with the afore or aftmentioned embodiments, the support and junction box connecting portionsand the stationary ring are formed of a one piece stamping.

In some embodiments alone or in combination with the afore or aftmentioned embodiments, the stationary ring include an indexing tabhaving a threaded opening that threadably receives the indexing screw.The indexing tab can be configured so that the indexing screw moves themovable ring between the first and second positions.

In some embodiments alone or in combination with the afore or aftmentioned embodiments, the stationary ring further comprises a biasingtab that is normally biased into contact with the movable ring so thatthe stationary ring remains in electrical contact with the movable ring.

In some embodiments alone or in combination with the afore or aftmentioned embodiments, the movable ring includes a draft angle at leaston a side that contacts the biasing tab, the draft angle beingsufficient so that, when the movable ring moves with respect to thestationary ring, the movable ring urges the biasing tab outward tosimplifying assembly.

In some embodiments alone or in combination with the afore or aftmentioned embodiments, the stationary ring includes a first protrusionand the movable ring includes a second protrusion. The first and secondprotrusions form a space sufficient to receive a screw that secures anelectrical device to the movable ring.

In some embodiments alone or in combination with the afore or aftmentioned embodiments, the movable ring includes an indexing screwopening and an indexing screw retention member. The indexing screw beingreceived in the indexing screw opening in a rotatable manner with ashoulder of the indexing screw being retained by the indexing screwretention member.

In some embodiments alone or in combination with the afore or aftmentioned embodiments, the indexing screw retention member having a pairof members stamped from the movable ring proximate the index screwopening.

In some embodiments alone or in combination with the afore or aftmentioned embodiments, the indexing screw retention member including aclip having a pair of retention tabs and a tightening opening. Themovable ring has a pair of slots adjacent to the indexing screw opening.The retention tabs being in the pair of slots and securing the clip tothe movable ring with the shoulder held therebetween and the tighteningopening allowing access to a head of the indexing screw.

In some embodiments alone or in combination with the afore or aftmentioned embodiments, the indexing screw has a terminal end thatmitigates inadvertent withdrawal of the indexing screw from the opening.

The above-described and other features and advantages of the presentdisclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in theart from the following detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an adjustable mud ring assembly anadjustable mud ring assembly according to the present disclosure is use;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the adjustable mud ring assembly ofFIG. 1 before use in a first or retracted position;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the adjustable mud ring assembly ofFIG. 1 in a second or extended position;

FIG. 4 is an exploded or disassembled view of the adjustable mud ringassembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged top perspective view of an indexing screw of theadjustable mud ring assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the adjustable mud ring assembly of FIG. 1illustrating the indexing screw in use;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an adjustable mud ring assemblyaccording to the present disclosure in the first or retracted positionhaving an alternate exemplary embodiment of an indexing screw retentionmember;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the adjustable mud ring assembly of FIG. 7illustrating the indexing screw in use;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a movable ring of the adjustable mudring assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the retention member of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of anadjustable mud ring assembly according to the present disclosure in thefirst or retracted position;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the adjustable mud ring assembly ofFIG. 11 in the second or extended position;

FIG. 13 is an exploded or disassembled view of the adjustable mud ringassembly of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of an adjustable mud ring assemblyaccording to the present disclosure in the first or retracted positionhaving an the alternate exemplary embodiment of the indexing screwretention member;

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of a movable ring of the adjustablemud ring assembly of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of asupport connecting portion according to the present disclosure securinga junction box to a support prior to assembly with an adjustable mudring assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 illustrates the support connection portion of FIG. 16 afterinstallation with adjustable mud ring assembly and the electricaldevice;

FIG. 18 is a partial sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the adjustable mud ring assembly ofFIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a top view of the adjustable mud ring assembly of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is an end view of the adjustable mud ring assembly of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a partial sectional view of the adjustable mud ring assemblyof FIG. 19 during adjustment, taken along line A-A of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a partial sectional view of the adjustable mud ring assemblyof FIG. 19 after adjustment, taken along line A-A of FIG. 20;

FIGS. 24-26 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a retainer for anadjustment screw of the adjustable mud ring assembly of FIG. 19;

FIGS. 27-28 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an adjustment screw ofthe adjustable mud ring assembly of FIG. 19;

FIG. 29 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a clamping screw of theadjustable mud ring assembly of FIG. 19;

FIG. 30 is a top view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of anadjustable mud ring assembly according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 31 is a partial sectional view of the adjustable mud ring assemblyof FIG. 30 before/during adjustment, taken along line C-C of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a partial sectional view of the adjustable mud ring assemblyof FIG. 30 after adjustment, taken along line C-C of FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 is a top view of the adjustable mud ring assembly of FIG. 19including an optional extension ring according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 34 is an end view of the adjustable mud ring assembly and ofextension ring FIG. 33, taken along line N-N of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a partial sectional view of the adjustable mud ring assemblyand extension ring of FIG. 33;

FIG. 36 is a top perspective view of the extension ring of FIG. 33;

FIG. 37 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of anotheradjustable mud ring assembly according to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 38-40 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a retainer for anadjustment screw of the adjustable mud ring assembly of FIG. 37;

FIGS. 41-42 are top perspective views of another exemplary embodiment ofa support connecting portion according to the present disclosure in use;

FIG. 43 is a rear perspective view of the support connecting portion ofFIG. 41;

FIG. 44 is a front view of the support connecting portion of FIG. 41;

FIG. 45 is a side view of the support connecting portion of FIG. 41;

FIG. 46 is a top view of the support connecting portion of FIG. 41;

FIG. 47 is a top view of the support connecting portion of FIG. 41 inuse with an open space bracket; and

FIG. 48 is a magnified view of a portion of the support connectingportion of FIG. 47, taken at circle A of FIG. 47.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1-3, an exemplaryembodiment of an adjustable mud ring assembly according to the presentdisclosure is shown and is generally referred to by reference numeral10. Here, mud ring assembly 10 is shown in use securing an electricaldevice 12 such as, but not limited to an electric outlet, to a junctionbox 14 and a support 16.

Advantageously, assembly 10 includes a base plate 18, a movable ring 20,and an indexing screw 22, which can be used to move the movable ringwith respect to the base plate between a first or retracted position(FIG. 2) and a second or extended position (FIG. 3) in an easy andrepeatable manner.

Assembly 10 is now described in more detail with simultaneous referenceto FIGS. 1-6.

Base 18 includes a junction box connecting portion 24, a supportconnecting portion 26, and a stationary ring 28. Support connectingportion 26 is also referred to herein as a mounting bracket or bracket.In the illustrated embodiment, movable ring 20 is shown as beinginternal to stationary ring 28 by way of example only. Of course, it iscontemplated by the present disclosure for assembly 10 to be configuredso that stationary ring 28 is internal to movable ring 20—examples ofwhich are illustrated in embodiments of FIGS. 16 through 41 hereinbelow.

Junction box connecting portion 24 includes a plurality of screwopenings 30, which allow assembly 10 to be connected to junction box 14in a known manner. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, junction box14 is shown as a double-gang. Thus, connecting portion 24 is shownconfigured for connection to such a double-gang box. Of course, it iscontemplated by the present disclosure for connecting portion 24 to beconfigured for connection to box 14 of any desired size (single, double,etc.).

Further, connecting portion 24 is shown in use with stationary ring 28that is sized as a single gang—namely for receipt of a single electricaldevice 12. Of course and as will be described in more detail herein, itis contemplated by the present disclosure for stationary ring 28 to beconfigured for use with any desired number of electrical devices12—single, double, or more.

Stationary ring 28 is, in the illustrated embodiment, positionedcentrally in connecting portion 24. In this manner, assembly 10 isconfigured so that electrical device 12, when installed, is offset by apredefined distance (D1) from support 16. Of course, it is contemplatedby the present disclosure for stationary ring 28 to have any desiredposition on connecting portion 24.

Support connecting portion 26 is illustrated by way of example have atrace mount configuration, namely to trace around two sides of support16. Portion 26 includes a plurality of screw openings 32, which allowthe portion to be connected to support 16 in a known manner.Additionally, the trace mount configuration provides base 18 with anoffset distance (D2) between junction box connecting portion 24 andsupport connecting portion 26. For reasons that will described in moredetail below, offset distance (D2) is believed by the present disclosureto allow movable ring 20 to with respect to stationary ring 28 to thefirst or retracted position without protruding, at this lowermost point,into box 14.

In its most basic form within the scope of the present disclosure,offset distance (D2) is a distance between an outer face of support 16(or an rear face of the wall board secured to the support) and a topface of box 14. Thus, offset distance (D2) is effective to offset thebox 14 from the rear face of the wall board.

It has been found by the present disclosure that incorporating supportconnecting portion 26 integrally into assembly 10—namely integrallyforming junction box connecting portion 24 and support connectingportion 26—ensures proper and repeatable placement of the assembly onsupport 16.

Stated another way, it is believed by the present application that thetrace mount configuration of base 18, which includes portions 24, 26integral with one another resolves, in a simple manner, multiple issuesin prior art devices such as, but not limited to, preventing movement ofmovable ring 20 into box 14, ensuring placement of assembly 10 atposition on support 16 that does not extend past the maximum throw ofmovable ring 20 at the second or extended position, and others.

However and is disclosed in various embodiments herein below, it isfurther contemplated by the present disclosure for support connectingportion 26 to be secured to or integral with junction box 14, with base18 connected thereto.

As best seen in FIG. 4, base 18 is, in this embodiment, formed as athree piece metal stamping—that includes a first part having connectingportions 24, 26, and two walls 28-1, 28-2 of stationary ring 28, and twoadditional parts that form the remaining two walls 28-3, 28-4 of thestationary ring. During manufacture, the three parts of base 18 arejoined together by any desired process. For example, walls 28-3, 28-4can be joined to walls 28-1, 28-2 and/or base 18 by one or more welds oranother connection device or method.

Of course, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for base 18 tobe formed in any desired manner such as, but not limited to, casting,metal injection molding, additive manufacturing, and others.

Stationary ring 28 further includes an indexing tab 34, a biasing tab36, and a first protrusion 38. In the illustrated embodiment, stationaryring 28 includes tabs 34, 36 and protrusion 38 on opposing sidesthereof. However for ease of description, only one side will bediscussed herein.

Indexing tab 34 has a threaded opening 40 to receive indexing screw 22,which as described in more detail below allows the indexing screw tomove movable ring 20 between the first and second positions.

Biasing tab 36 and protrusion 38 are configured to allow screws (FIG. 1)that secure electric device 12 to movable ring 20 to pass therethrough.In some embodiments, biasing tab 36 can be biased into contact with thescrews that secure electric device 12 to movable ring 20 to guide thescrews during assembly and disassembly.

Additionally, biasing tab 36 is advantageously configured to be normallybiased into contact with movable ring 20. In this manner, biasing tab 36ensures that stationary ring 28 remains in desired electrical contactwith movable ring 20. In some embodiments, movable ring 20 can include adraft angle 42 (FIG. 4) at least on the sides that contact biasing tabs36. In this manner, draft angle 42 of movable ring 20, when the movablering positioned with respect to stationary ring 28, allows the movablering to urge biasing tab 36 outward, simplifying assembly.

Movable ring 20 includes an indexing screw opening 44, an indexing screwretention member 46, a second protrusion 48, and a threaded opening 50.Similar to the discussion above with respect to stationary ring 28,movable ring 20, in the illustrated embodiment, includes opening 44,retention member 46, recess 48, and threaded opening 50 on opposingsides thereof. However for ease of description, only one side will bediscussed herein.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, indexing screw 22 is received in opening 44in a rotatable manner with shoulder 52 of the screw retained byretention member 46. The indexing screw 22 is th readably received inthreaded opening 40 of indexing tab 34. In this manner, rotation ofindexing screw 22 in a first direction causes shoulder 52 to act onmovable ring 20 to move the movable ring with respect to stationary ring28 towards the first or retracted position. Conversely, rotation ofindexing screw 22 in a second, opposite direction causes shoulder 52 toact on movable ring 20 to move the movable ring with respect tostationary ring 28 towards the second or extended position.

In the illustrated embodiment, retention member 46 includes a pair ofmembers stamped from movable ring 20 around opening 44. During assembly,retention members 46 can be deformed over shoulder 52 after insertion ofscrew 22 into opening 44. Of course, it is contemplated by the presentdisclosure for opening 44 to be formed as a slot so that screw 22 can beinserted laterally with shoulder 52 passing under retention member 46.

In some embodiments, screw 22 can have a terminal end 54 that mitigatesinadvertent withdrawal of the screw from opening 50 at the fullyextended or upper most position of movable ring 20.

Threaded opening 50 threadably receives the screw that secure electricdevice 12 to movable ring 20 with the screws passing between movable andstationary rings 20, 28 in the space formed between first and secondprotrusions 38, 48. It has been determined by the present disclosurethat passing these screws between movable and stationary rings 20, 28prevents the screws from passing into a space occupied by any exposed,live electrical contacts (i.e., within movable ring 20 and/or junctionbox 14). Further, it has been determined by the present disclosure thatpassing these screws between movable and stationary rings 20, 28prevents the screws from binding or contacting on wall surface materialor mud that may abut assembly 10 during assembly of electrical device 12to the movable ring.

Accordingly, assembly 10 is advantageously configured to allow the userto easily and repeatably locate junction box 14 on support 16 at aposition that is within the allowable movement of movable ring 20between its first and second positions, while preventing the movablering 20 from protruding into the space of the junction box at the fullyretracted position and ensuring that any screws that secure electricaldevice 12 in the movable ring extend into the space between the movableand stationary ring.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, an alternate exemplary embodiment of anadjustable mud ring assembly according to the present disclosure in thefirst or retracted position is shown and is generally referred to byreference numeral 110. Component parts having similar or analogousfeatures are labeled in multiples of 100 to those in FIGS. 1-6.

Assembly 110 has an alternate exemplary embodiment of an indexing screwretention member 146 that secures indexing screw 122, via shoulder 152,to movable ring 120, allowing the rotation of the screw to move themovable ring, with respect to stationary ring 128 in the mannerdescribed above.

In this embodiment, retention member 146 includes a clip 160 having apair of retention tabs 162 and a tightening opening 164. Retentionmember 146 also includes a pair of slots 166 defined in movable ring 120adjacent indexing screw opening 144. Retention tabs 162 are received inslots 166 to secure clip 160 to movable ring 120, with shoulder 152 heldtherebetween. Tightening opening 164 allows access to the head of screw122 to allow the screw to be tightened and loosened as needed.

Accordingly, assembly 110, like assembly 10, is advantageouslyconfigured to allow the user to easily and repeatably locate thejunction box on the support at a position that is within the allowablemovement of movable ring 120 between its first and second positions,while preventing the movable ring 120 from protruding into the space ofthe junction box at the fully retracted position and ensuring that anyscrews that secure the electrical device in the movable ring extend intothe space between the movable and stationary ring.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-13, another alternate exemplary embodiment ofan adjustable mud ring assembly according to the present disclosure isshown and is generally referred to by reference numeral 210. Componentparts having similar or analogous features are labeled in multiples of200 to those in FIGS. 1-6.

Assembly 210 is shown in FIG. 11 in the first or retracted position, inFIG. 12, in the second or extended position, and in FIG. 13 in anexploded or disassembled stated. Here, assembly 210 is shown configuredfor use with a double gang or junction box (not shown) and for use withtwo electrical devices (also not shown).

Assembly 210 includes base plate 218, movable ring 220, and indexingscrew 222, which can be used to move the movable ring with respect tothe base plate between the retracted position and extended position inan easy and repeatable manner.

Base 218 includes junction box connecting portion 224, supportconnecting portion 226, and stationary ring 228. As a result of theconfiguration of this embodiment of assembly 210—namely where bothjunction box connecting portion 224 and stationary ring 228 areconfigured for use in a double gang construction, the offset distance(D1) of assembly 10 (FIG. 1) is not required. Of course, it iscontemplated by the present disclosure for stationary ring 228 to haveany desired position on connecting portion 224.

Support connecting portion 226 provides base 218 with offset distance(D2) between junction box connecting portion 224 and support connectingportion 226. For the reasons discussed above, offset distance (D2) isbelieved by the present disclosure to allow movable ring 220 to moveinto stationary ring 228 to the first or retracted position withoutprotruding, at this lowermost point, into the junction box.

As best seen in FIG. 14, base 218 is, in this embodiment, formed as asingle piece metal stamping—that includes connecting portions 224, 226,and all four walls 228-1, 228-2, 228-3, 228-4 of stationary ring 228. Ofcourse, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for base 218 to beformed in any desired manner such as, but not limited to, casting, metalinjection molding, additive manufacturing, and others.

Stationary ring 228 includes indexing tab 234 and—since it is configuredfor use with two electrical devices—two biasing tabs 236 and two firstprotrusions 238. In the illustrated embodiment, stationary ring 228includes tabs 234, 236 and protrusions 238 on opposing sides thereof.However for ease of description, only one side will be discussed herein.

Indexing tab 234 has threaded opening 240 to receive indexing screw 222,which allows the indexing screw to move movable ring 220 between thefirst and second positions.

Biasing tabs 236 and protrusions 238 are configured to allow the screwsthat secure the electric devices to movable ring 220 to passtherethrough. In some embodiments, biasing tabs 236 can be biased intocontact with the screws that secure the electric device to movable ring220 to guide the screws during assembly and disassembly. Additionally,biasing tabs 236 are advantageously configured to be normally biasedinto contact with movable ring 220 to ensure that stationary ring 228remains in desired electrical contact with the movable ring 20. In someembodiments, movable ring 220 can include a draft angle 242 (FIG. 13) atleast on the sides that contact biasing tabs 236. In this manner, draftangle 242 of movable ring 220, when the movable ring is positioned withrespect to stationary ring 228, allows the movable ring to urge biasingtabs 236 outward, simplifying assembly.

Movable ring 220 includes indexing screw opening 244, indexing screwretention member 246, second protrusion 248, and threaded opening 250.Similar to the discussion above with respect to stationary ring 228,movable ring 220, in the illustrated embodiment where assembly 210 isconfigured for receipt of two electrical devices, includes opening 244,retention member 246, two recesses 248, and two threaded openings 250 onopposing sides thereof. However for ease of description, only one sideare discussed herein.

Indexing screw 222, as discussed above with respect to assembly 10, isreceived in opening 244 in a rotatable manner with shoulder 252 of thescrew retained by retention member 246. The indexing screw 222 isthreadably received in threaded opening 240 of indexing tab 234. In thismanner, rotation of indexing screw 222 in a first direction causesshoulder 252 to act on movable ring 220 to move the movable ring withrespect to stationary ring 228 towards the first or retracted position.Conversely, rotation of indexing screw 222 in a second, oppositedirection causes shoulder 252 to act on movable ring 220 to move themovable ring with respect to stationary ring 228 towards the second orextended position.

Accordingly, assembly 210, like assemblies 10 and 110, is advantageouslyconfigured to allow the user to easily and repeatably locate thejunction box on the support at a position that is within the allowablemovement of movable ring 220 between its first and second positions,while preventing the movable ring 220 from protruding into the space ofthe junction box at the fully retracted position and ensuring that anyscrews that secure the electrical device in the movable ring extend intothe space between the movable and stationary ring.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-15, another alternate exemplary embodiment ofan adjustable mud ring assembly according to the present disclosure isshown and is generally referred to by reference numeral 310. Componentparts having similar or analogous features are labeled in multiples of300 to those in FIGS. 1-6.

Assembly 310 is configured much like assembly 210—namely for use with adouble gang box (not shown) and with two electrical devices (also notshown). However, assembly 310 lacks has the alternate exemplaryembodiment of the indexing screw retention member 146 described withrespect to assembly 110 of FIG. 7.

Specifically, assembly 310 includes indexing screw retention member 346that has clip 360 with retention tabs (not shown) and tightening opening364. Retention member 346 also includes slots 366 defined in movablering 320 adjacent indexing screw opening 344. Slots 366 receive theretention tabs to secure clip 360 to movable ring 320, with the shoulder(not shown) of indexing screw 322 held therebetween.

Accordingly, assembly 310, like assemblies 10, 110, and 210, isadvantageously configured to allow the user to easily and repeatablylocate the junction box on the support at a position that is within theallowable movement of movable ring 220 between its first and secondpositions, while preventing the movable ring 220 from protruding intothe space of the junction box at the fully retracted position andensuring that any screws that secure the electrical device in themovable ring extend into the space between the movable and stationaryring 328.

It should be recognized that the embodiments of the adjustable mud ringassemblies disclosed herein above included, by way of example only, base18 having junction box connecting portion 24 and stationary ring 28attached to or forming a common or integral member with supportconnecting portion 26. Of course, it is contemplated by the presentdisclosure for support connection portion 26 to be secured directly toor forming a common or integral member with junction box 16. Examples ofthis embodiment are now described with reference to the embodiments ofFIGS. 16 through 41. To the extent that any of the aspects of thevarious embodiments disclosed herein are described separately, it isintended by the present disclosure for these aspects to be incorporatedinto one another in any desired manner.

Another exemplary embodiment of an adjustable mud ring assemblyaccording to the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 16-29 and isgenerally referred to by reference numeral 410. Component parts havingsimilar or analogous features are labeled in multiples of 400.

Assembly 410 is shown securing electrical device 12 in junction box 14and securing the junction box to support 16 with an exemplary embodimentof a support connecting portion 426 according to the present disclosure.Here, portion 426 is secured to junction box 14 and does not form anintegral part base 18 as in the prior embodiments. Portion 426 providesassembly 410 with offset distance (D2) as discussed above.

Assembly 410 is shown having portion 426 on two opposite edges, but ofcourse, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for assembly 410 tohave only one portion 426. Portion 426 can be integral to box 14,permanently secured to the box, or removably secured to the box in anyknown manner.

Assembly 410 includes base 418, movable ring 420, stationary ring 428,and indexing screws 422 (two shown). Indexing screw 422 is configured tomove movable ring 420 between the first and second positions withrespect to stationary ring 428. In this embodiment, movable ring 420 isexternal to or covers stationary ring 428. Here, base 418 can preventmovable ring 420 from passing into a space occupied by any exposed, liveelectrical contacts (i.e., within stationary ring 428 and/or junctionbox 14).

Assembly 410 includes an indexing screw retention member 446 secured tomovable ring 420, which secures indexing screw 422 so that the shoulderof the screw is retained by the retention member and allows for movementof the movable ring 420 as disclosed above. In some embodiments,assembly 410 can further include a clamping screw 422′ (two shown) thatprevents movement of movable and stationary rings 420, 428 with respectto one another.

Here, clamping screw 422′ is threaded through both rings 420, 422 sothat the clamping screw must be loosened or backed off (FIGS. 21-22) toallow indexing screw 422 to move movable ring 420 with respect tostationary ring 428, at which time the clamping screw can be tightened(FIG. 23) to prevent further movement of the rings with respect to oneanother.

Of course, other embodiments of clamping screw 422′ are contemplated bythe present disclosure. For example, assembly 410 is shown in FIGS.30-32 having an alternate embodiment of clamping screw 422″. Here,clamping screw 422″ is threadably received in stationary ring 428 and anut or threaded member 423. Upon movement of rings 420,428 with respectto one another to the desired position using indexing screw 422 (FIG.31), clamping screw 422″ is tightened until nut 423 abuts stationaryring 428 and prevents further movement of the rings with respect to oneanother (FIG. 32).

In some embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. 33-36, assembly 410 canfurther include an extension ring 470 removably secured to moveable ring420 by one on more screws 472 (two shown). Extension ring 472 caninclude one or more locating tabs 474 that are received in openings 476of movable ring 420.

It should be recognized that assembly 410 is disclosed in FIGS. 16-36 byway of example only as a single gang. Of course, it is contemplated bythe present disclosure for the assembly to be configured as a doublegang as shown in FIGS. 37-41, which is generally referred to byreference numeral 510. Component parts having similar or analogousfeatures are labeled in multiples of 500.

Assembly 510 is shown securing an electrical device in junction box 14and securing the junction box to support 16 with an exemplary embodimentof a support connecting portion 526 according to the present disclosure.Here, portion 526 is secured to junction box 14 and does not form anintegral part base 18 as in the prior embodiments. Portion 526 providesassembly 510 with offset distance (D2) as discussed above.

Assembly 510 is shown having portion 526 on two opposite edges, but ofcourse, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for assembly 510 tohave only one portion 526.

Assembly 510 includes base 518, movable ring 520, stationary ring 528,and indexing screws 522 (two shown) that move the movable ring betweenthe first and second positions with respect to the stationary ring. Inthis embodiment, movable ring 520 is external to or covers stationaryring 528.

Assembly 510 includes an indexing screw retention member 546 secured tomovable ring 520, which secures indexing screw 522 to allow for movementof the movable ring 520 as disclosed above. In some embodiments,assembly 510 can further include a clamping screw 522′ (four shown) thatprevents movement of movable and stationary rings 520, 528 with respectto one another.

Portion 526 can include one or more bendable supports 580 that can bebent into position to support the portion with respect to a wire, astud, the wall board, other any other component.

Assembly 510 and portion 526 can be secured directly to the support 14as shown in FIGS. 41-42. Alternately and as shown in FIGS. 43-44,portion 526 can be configured for use with an open space bracket 590.Bracket 590 has ends 592 that can be secured to two supports 14 withportion 526 secured in any desired position therebetween. Bracket 590can be configured so that a distance between ends 592 is adjustable toaccommodate different distances between supports 14. In someembodiments, portion 526 can include one or more bendable tabs 594 thatallow the portion to be secured in position on bracket 590.

The terms “first”, “second”, “third”, “upper”, “lower”, and the like maybe used herein to modify various elements. These modifiers do not implya spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elementsunless specifically stated.

The terms “first”, “second”, “third”, “upper”, “lower”, and the like maybe used herein to modify various elements. These modifiers do not implya spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elementsunless specifically stated.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one ormore exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that various changes may be made and equivalents may besubstituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapta particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosurewithout departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended thatthe present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s)disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but that the disclosure willinclude all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable mud ring assembly comprising: abase member including a protruding a movable member supported on thebase member for movement relative to the protruding portion; and anadjustment member coupled between the base member and the movablemember, actuation of the adjustment member moving the movable memberwith respect to the base member between a first position and a secondposition.
 2. The adjustable mud ring assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a support connection portion for supporting the base member.3. The adjustable mud ring assembly of claim 2, wherein the base memberand the support connection portion are integral to one another.
 4. Theadjustable mud ring assembly of claim 2, wherein the base member and thesupport connection portion are each configured for connection to ajunction box.
 5. The adjustable mud ring assembly of claim 1, whereinthe movable member is positioned within the protruding portion of thebase member.
 6. The adjustable mud ring assembly of claim 5, wherein themovable member is movable with respect to the base member to the firstposition without protruding, at a lowermost point, into a junction boxwhile connected to a junction box connecting portion.
 7. The adjustablemud ring assembly of claim 1, wherein the movable member extends aroundthe protruding portion of the base member.
 8. The adjustable mud ringassembly of claim 1, further comprising a clamp screw for securing themovable member against movement relative to the base member.
 9. Theadjustable mud ring assembly of claim 1, wherein the adjustment memberincludes a fastener, wherein the base member includes an indexing tabhaving a threaded opening that threadably receives the fastener, whereinthreading the fastener relative to the threaded opening moves themovable member between the first and second positions.
 10. Theadjustable mud ring assembly of claim 1, wherein the base member furtherincludes a biasing tab that is normally biased into contact with themovable member so that at least a portion of the base member remains inelectrical contact with the movable member.
 11. The adjustable mud ringassembly of claim 10, wherein the movable member includes at least oneside contacting the biasing tab, the at least one side having a draftangle such that, as the movable member is coupled to the base member,the movable member urges the biasing tab outwardly to simplify assembly.12. The adjustable mud ring assembly of claim 1, wherein the base memberfurther includes a first protrusion and the movable member furtherincludes a second protrusion, the first and second protrusions forming aspace sufficient to receive a screw that secures an electrical device tothe movable ring.
 13. The adjustable mud ring assembly of claim 1,wherein the movable member includes a fastener opening and a retentionmember, the adjustment member including a fastener received in thefastener opening in a rotatable manner, the fastener including ashoulder retained by the retention member.
 14. The adjustable mud ringassembly of claim 1, further comprising a support connecting portionincluding a bendable wire support depending therefrom.
 15. Theadjustable mud ring assembly of claim 1, further comprising an extensionring secured to the movable member.
 16. An adjustable mud ring assemblycomprising: a base member; a movable member supported for movementrelative to the base member, the movable member surrounding at least aportion of the base member; and an adjustment member coupled between thebase member and the movable member, actuation of the adjustment membermoving the movable member with respect to the base member between afirst position and a second position.
 17. The adjustable mud ringassembly of claim 16, further comprising a clamp screw for securing themovable member in a desired position relative to the base member. 18.The adjustable mud ring assembly of claim 16, wherein the adjustmentmember includes a fastener, wherein the base member includes an indexingtab having a threaded opening that threadably receives the fastener,wherein threading the fastener in the threaded opening moves the movablemember between the first and second positions.
 19. The adjustable mudring assembly of claim 16, wherein the movable member includes afastener opening and a retention member, the adjustment member includinga fastener received in the fastener opening in a threadable manner, thefastener including a shoulder retained by the retention member.
 20. Theadjustable mud ring assembly of claim 16, wherein the base memberincludes a plate, an opening extending through the plate, and a ringprotruding from the plate and extending around the opening, wherein themovable member surrounds the ring and is movable in a direction parallelto an axis of the opening.